Retractable stepping stool

ABSTRACT

A retractable stepping stool for mounting beneath sink counter tops, wherein compression assemblies, a step lever and a step provide above-sink level elevation for easy and comfortable accessibility to the sink by a child or other below average height individual.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This Nonprovisional Application claims priority from and benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/242,778 filed on Oct. 24, 2000 and titled “Mounted, Automatically Retractable Step Stool.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to stepping stools, and more specifically to a retractable stepping stool. This invention is particularly useful in assisting small children reach and utilize otherwise inaccessible sinks or washstands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Anyone who has ever had to accompany a small child to a public restroom knows what an annoyance it can be when it comes to washing the child's hands. Most sinks are positioned too high for a child to reach them comfortably, thus forcing the child to stretch over the sink if possible. Stretching over the sink, however, typically results in the child's clothes getting wet from standing water located around the sink basin. To add to the child's frustration, the soap dispenser is usually out of the child's reach as well.

[0004] Often times, to assist a child in reaching sinks or washstands, a person may pick the child up. Picking the child up, however, is generally uncomfortable for both the child and the individual doing the lifting. Further, in lifting a child, an individual may prop the child's lower abdominal portion or waistline up against the sink counter top for added support, still subjecting the child's clothes to wetness from water around the sink basin. Moreover, the person doing the lifting generally does not have a free hand to assist the child in the washing of the child's hands or general utilization of the sink facilities. As a result, both the child and the individual lifting the child are usually splashed with water during the process.

[0005] A final solution utilized by a few children is the foregoing of the hand washing entirely. This however, is not only poor hygiene, but may result in a poor childhood habit that may carry into adulthood.

[0006] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a retractable stepping stool for mounting beneath public or residential sink counter tops, wherein above-sink level elevation is conveniently and comfortably provided for easy accessibility to the sink by a child for utilization of the sink and its accompanying facilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such a device, by providing a retractable stepping stool for mounting beneath public or residential sink counter tops, wherein an above-sink level elevation is provided for easy and comfortable accessibility to the sink by a child for utilization of the sink and its accompanying facilities.

[0008] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a retractable stepping stool having a step, a mountable support frame, compression assemblies, a step lever and a magnetic spring loaded device.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention is a retractable stepping stool having a step rotatably connected to a support frame, wherein the step carries a step lever, and wherein compression assemblies interconnect the step to the support frame. When the retractable stepping stool is in the retracted position, and therefore tucked away under the sink counter top, depression of the step lever causes both the step to fold down and the compression of the attached compression assemblies, thus downwardly releasing the stepping stool from its retracted position to a usable and extended position. Stepping off of the steeping stool causes a magnetic spring-loaded device to automatically release the step, resulting in the subsequent upward folding of the step as well as the decompression of the compression assemblies, thus returning the stepping stool to its retracted position under the sink.

[0010] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide quick and convenient elevation to otherwise out-of-reach sinks or washstands.

[0011] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to conserve room space by its quick and easy retractability and storage under a sink counter.

[0012] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be deployed with ease by both adults and children.

[0013] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be utilized and mounted beneath both residential and public restrooms.

[0014] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be utilized and mounted beneath both residential and public sinks in general.

[0015] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a readily accessible stepping stool.

[0016] These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the stepping stool in a retracted position.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the stepping stool in a partially extended position.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the stepping stool in a fully extended position.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the magnetic spring loaded device of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the mechanics of the step lever.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting base of a retractable stepping stool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a device 10, wherein device 10 is a retractable stepping stool generally comprising a first support frame 20, a second support frame 40, mounting base 60, hinges 80 and 90, compression assemblies 100 and 110, step 120, catch mechanism 160 and step lever mechanism 180.

[0027] Specifically, support frame 20 of device 10 preferably generally comprises a preferably generally cylindrical first upright bar 22, wherein first upright bar 22 comprises a bottom end 21 and a top end 23; a preferably generally cylindrical horizontal base bar 25, wherein horizontal base bar 25 comprises a first end 24 and a second end 26; a preferably generally cylindrical second upright bar 28, wherein second upright bar 28 comprises a bottom end 27 and a top end 29; and a preferably generally cylindrical horizontal support bar 30, wherein horizontal support bar 30 comprises a first end 31 and a second end 32. First upright bar 22, second upright bar 28, horizontal base bar 25 and horizontal support bar 30 can be formed from any suitable material known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, metals, plastics or wood.

[0028] Bottom end 21 of first upright bar 22 is connected to first end 24 of horizontal base bar 25, and bottom end 27 of second upright bar 28 is connected to second end 26 of horizontal base bar 25 via any means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, adhesives, welding or integrally formed thereto. First end 31 of horizontal support bar 30 is preferably connected to the midsection of first upright bar 22, and second end 32 of horizontal support bar 30 is preferably connected to the midsection of second upright bar 28 via any means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, adhesives, welding or integrally formed thereto.

[0029] Second support frame 40 of device 10 preferably generally comprises a preferably generally cylindrical first upright bar 42, wherein first upright bar 42 comprises a bottom end 41 and a top end 43, and wherein first upright bar 42 is generally preferably bent about its midregion; a preferably generally cylindrical horizontal bar 45, wherein horizontal bar 45 comprises a first end 44 and a second end 46; and a preferably generally cylindrical second upright bar 48, wherein second upright bar 48 comprises a bottom end 47 and a top end 49, and wherein second upright bar 48 is generally preferably bent about its midregion. First upright bar 42, second upright bar 48 and horizontal bar 45 can be formed from any suitable material known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, metals, plastics or wood.

[0030] Top end 43 of first upright bar 42 is connected to first end 44 of horizontal bar 45, and top end 49 of second upright bar 48 is connected to second end 46 of horizontal bar 45 via any means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, adhesives, welding or integrally formed thereto. Furthermore, top end 23 of first upright bar 22 of first support frame 20 is rotatably connected to top end 43 of first upright bar 42, proximal the intersection of connected top end 43 and first end 44, via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bolts or rivets. Likewise, top end 29 of second upright bar 28 of first support frame 20 is rotatably connected to top end 49 of second upright bar 48, proximal the intersection of connected top end 49 and second end 46, via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bolts or rivets.

[0031] Referring specifically now to FIGS. 4 and 7, mounting base 60 preferably comprises a lower base member 62 and an upper base member 64, wherein base members 62 and 64, are preferably elongated rectangular shaped and possess concave interiors dimensioned to snuggly receive horizontal base bar 25 of first support frame 20 when base members 62 and 64 are joined together. The concave interior surface of lower base member 62 preferably possesses a plurality of rollers 66 to aid in the pivotal movement of horizontal base bar 25, and device 10 in general, when device 10 is being extended to its functional position. The concave interior surface of upper base member 64 preferably possesses a plurality of stems 68, receivable within a plurality of notches 70 formed on the surface of horizontal base bar 25, wherein interlocking of stems 68 within notches 70 limits the pivotal or rotational movement of horizontal base bar 25 within the confines of joined base members 62 and 64, such that horizontal base bar 25 pivots only so much as necessary to deploy device 10 to its desired functionally extended position. Base members 62 and 64, possess a plurality of mounting tabs 72 and 74, respectively, wherein each of a plurality of mounting tabs 72 and 74 further carry throughholes 72A and 74A, such that upon joining of base members 62 and 64, each of a plurality of mounting tabs 72 and 74 and their accompanying throughholes 72A and 74A, respectively, are aligned to permit the extension therethrough of bolts 76, thus securing mounting base 60, and device 10 in general, to the floor.

[0032] Referring back to FIGS. 1-4, hinge 80 is preferably generally elongated rectangular shaped and comprises a first end 81 and a second end 82. First end 81 is preferably rotatably connected to first upright bar 22, specifically proximal the midregion of first upright bar 22 and just above the junction formed by connection of first end 31 of horizontal support bar 30 to first upright bar 22. First end 81 can be rotatably connected to first upright bar 22 via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bolts or rivets.

[0033] Similarly, hinge 90 is preferably generally elongated rectangular shaped and comprises a first end 91 and a second end 92. First end 91 is preferably rotatably connected to second upright bar 28, specifically proximal the midregion of second upright bar 28 and just above the junction formed by connection of second end 32 of horizontal support bar 30 to second upright bar 28. First end 91 can be rotatably connected to second upright bar 28 via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bolts or rivets.

[0034] Step 120 is preferably elongated rectangular shaped and preferably generally comprises a top surface 122, a bottom surface 124, a first side 126, a second side 128, a third side 130 and a fourth side 132, wherein top surface 122 preferably has a non-slip rubber material disposed thereon. Second end 82 of hinge 80 is preferably rotatably connected to the midregion of first side 126, and second end 92 of hinge 90 is preferably rotatably connected to the midregion of third side 130, via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bolts or rivets. Furthermore, distal end 126A of side 126 is preferably rotatably connected to first upright bar 42 of second support frame 40, between the bent midregion and bottom end 41 of first upright bar 42. Similarly, distal end 130A of side 130 is preferably rotatably connected to second upright bar 48 of second support frame 40, between the bent midregion and bottom end 47 of second upright bar 48.

[0035] Bottom ends 41 and 47 of first upright bar 42 and second upright bar 48, respectively, each possess retractable spring-loaded wheels 50 and 52, respectively. Upon full extension of device 10 and applied weight onto step 120, wheels 50 and 52 fully recess within bottom ends 41 and 47, respectively, via the aid of attached springs 50A and 52A, respectively. Furthermore, upon such recession of wheels 50 and 52, frictional rubber pads 54 and 56 on the bottom of bottom ends 41 and 47, respectively, are made to contact the floor, thus providing stability for extended device 10 in general. When the applied weight to step 120 is removed, wheels 50 and 52 are springfully urged back out of bottom ends 41 and 47, respectively, to aid in the rolling retraction of device 10 to a closed position.

[0036] Referring specifically now to FIGS. 4 and 5, catch mechanism 160 preferably generally comprises a metal plate 162 attached preferably to bottom surface 124 of step 120, proximal to side 132, and a magnetic spring-loaded device 164 attached preferably to horizontal support bar 30, wherein magnetic spring-loaded device generally comprises magnets 166 attached to springs 168. Upon extension of device 10 and thus the extension of step 120, metal plate 162 on bottom surface 124 of step 120 is forced to contact magnetic spring-loaded device 164, thus securely holding step 120 in an extended position. In addition, applied weight to step 120 further holds step 120 in an extended position. Upon removal of the applied weight to step 120, spring action of magnetic spring-loaded device 164 causes the delayed release of step 120 therefrom, allowing device 10 to retract to a closed position.

[0037] Compression assembly 100 preferably comprises a chamber 102 and a piston 105, wherein chamber 102 has a first end 101 and a second end 103, and piston 105 has a first end 104 and a second end 106. Entry of first end 104 of piston 105 into a hole 107 on second end 103 of chamber 102 causes decompression of chamber 102, whereas extension of piston 105 through and out of hole 107 of second end 103 causes compression of chamber 102. A hole 108 located at the end of chamber 102, proximal first end 101, permits the introduction and expulsion of air into and out of, respectively, chamber 102 upon manipulation of piston 105 through hole 107. Compression assembly 100 is commonly sold and known as hydraulic release-retrieve assemblies. Although the preferred shape of chamber 102 and piston 105 is cylindrical, it is recognized that other shapes may be utilized in an alternate embodiment so long as the general compression function is preserved.

[0038] First end 101 of chamber 102 is preferably rotatably connected to an inner bottom side 21A of first upright bar 22 of first support frame 20 via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rivets or bolts. Second end 106 of piston 105 is rotatably connected to a hinge bracket 124A on bottom surface 124 of step 120. Hinge bracket 124A preferably provides for the free rotational movement of second end 106 of piston 105, respectively, by preferably carrying the rotating means that rotatably connects second end 106 to hinge bracket 124A, wherein rotation is provided via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rivets or bolts.

[0039] Compression assembly 110 preferably comprises a chamber 112 and a piston 115, wherein chamber 112 has a first end 111 and a second end 113, and piston 115 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. Entry of first end 114 of piston 115 into a hole 117 on second end 113 of chamber 112 causes decompression of chamber 112, whereas extension of piston 115 through and out of hole 117 of second end 113 causes compression of chamber 112. A hole 118 located at the end of chamber 112, proximal first end 111, permits the introduction and expulsion of air into and out of, respectively, chamber 112 upon manipulation of piston 115 through hole 117. Compression assembly 110 is commonly sold and known as hydraulic release-retrieve assemblies. Although the preferred shape of chamber 112 and piston 115 is cylindrical, it is recognized that other shapes may be utilized in an alternate embodiment so long as the general compression function is preserved.

[0040] First end 111 of chamber 112 is preferably rotatably connected to an inner bottom side 27A of second upright bar 28 of first support frame 20 via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rivets or bolts. Second end 116 of piston 115 is rotatably connected to a hinge bracket 124B on bottom surface 124 of step 120. Hinge bracket 124B preferably provides for the free rotational movement of second end 116 of piston 115, respectively, by preferably carrying the rotating means that rotatably connects second end 116 to hinge bracket 124B, wherein rotation is provided via any rotating means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rivets or bolts. Compression assemblies 100 and 110 function to aid in the extension and retraction of device 10.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, step lever mechanism 180 preferably generally comprises a generally rectangular shaped step lever 182 preferably mounted to the floor, a telescoping rod 184, having a first end 184A attached preferably to step lever 182, and a second end 184B slidably engaged with a guidance track 186 preferably positioned on bottom surface 124 of step 120. Guidance track is a preferably elongated rectangular and inverted U-shaped. Second end 134B further carries a roller ball 188 to facilitate sliding action along and within inverted U-shaped guidance track 186. When device 10 is in the closed position, telescoping rod 184 is in a retracted or non-telescoped positioned, and roller ball 186 of second end 184B sits at a rest area 186A on guidance track 186, proximal side 128 of step 120. Depression of step lever 182 mechanically causes telescoping rod 184 to extend or telescope upward, resulting in the movement of roller ball 188 to center area 186B of guidance track 184, and the downward extension of step 120 to an open position. While step 120 is extending outwardly to an open position, compression assemblies 100 and 110 are also compressing. Upon stepping off of step 120, magnetic spring-loaded device 164 springfully urges the release of step 120 therefrom, resulting in the return of roller ball 188 to rest area 186A of guidance track 186 and the upward retraction of step 120 to a closed position, aided by the decompression of compression assemblies 100 and 110. Step lever 182 preferably has a non-slip rubber material disposed thereon for added traction.

[0042] In use, device 10, when in the retraced position, would be locked and extended by completely depressing step lever 182, wherein compression assemblies 100 and 110, aided by hinges 80 and 90, would push step 120 outward to and extended position. After use, device 10 would be retracted by simply stepping off of step 120, resulting in the release of step 120 from magnetic spring-loaded device 164, allowing device 10 to return to it retracted position under a sink counter top.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment, device 10 could have more than one step.

[0044] In an alternate embodiment, device 10 could have any number of compression assemblies.

[0045] In another alternate embodiment, device 10 could comprise handrails for added user support when an individual ascends step 120 of device 10.

[0046] In another alternate embodiment, device 10 could be locked into position upon depression of step lever 182, via any locking means known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, locking compression assemblies, locking hinges and/or locking floor mounts.

[0047] In yet another alternate embodiment, all upright bars and horizontal bars could be another shape such as, for exemplary purposes only, rectangular.

[0048] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable stepping stool having an extended position and a retracted position, comprising: a first support frame for mounting said stepping stool to a desired location; a second support frame pivotably carried by said first support frame; at least one step pivotably carried by said first support frame and said second support frame; at least one compression assembly carried between said first support frame and said second support frame for assisting in the retraction and extension of said stepping stool; and means for retracting and extending said stepping stool, said retracting and extending means carried by said stepping stool.
 2. The retractable stepping stool of claim 1 further comprising a support bar, said support bar carried by said first support frame and comprising at least one magnet for secured attachment to at least one metal plate on said at least one step.
 3. The retractable stepping stool of claim 1, wherein said retracting and extending means is at least one step lever mechanism, said step lever mechanism comprising at least one step lever attached to a floor and mechanically coupled to at least one telescoping rod.
 4. The retractable stepping stool of claim 3, wherein said at least one telescoping rod is slidably engaged with at least one guidance track carried by said at least one step, said depression of at least one step lever causing extension of said at least one telescoping rod and thus the outward extension of said at least one step.
 5. The retractable stepping stool of claim 1, wherein said retracting and extending means is at least one pull-handle carried by said at least one step, wherein pulling of said at least one pull-handle causes the outward extension of said at least one step.
 6. The retractable stepping stool of claim 1, wherein said first support frame is carried within a mounting base, said mounting base capable of being mounted to a floor.
 7. The retractable stepping stool of claim 6, wherein said mounting base is at least one floor bracket, said at least one floor bracket capable of being secured to the floor.
 8. The retractable stepping stool of claim 1 further comprising retractable wheels, said retractable wheels carried by said second support frame.
 9. A retractable stepping stool having an extended position and a retracted position, comprising: a first support frame for mounting said stepping stool to a desired location; a second support frame pivotably carried by said first support frame; a support bar, said support bar carried by said first support frame and comprising at least one magnet for secured attachment to at least one metal plate on said at least one step; at least one step pivotably carried by said first support frame and said second support frame; at least one compression assembly carried between said first support frame and said second support frame for assisting in the retraction and extension of said stepping stool; and means for retracting and extending said stepping stool, said retracting and extending means carried by said stepping stool.
 10. The retractable stepping stool of claim 9, wherein said retracting and extending means is at least one step lever mechanism, said step lever mechanism comprising at least one step lever attached to a floor and mechanically coupled to at least one telescoping rod.
 11. The retractable stepping stool of claim 10, wherein said at least one telescoping rod is slidably engaged with at least one guidance track carried by said at least one step, said depression of at least one step lever causing extension of said at least one telescoping rod and thus the outward extension of said at least one step.
 12. The retractable stepping stool of claim 9, wherein said retracting and extending means is at least one pull-handle carried by said at least one step, wherein pulling of said at least one pull-handle causes the outward extension of said at least one step.
 13. The retractable stepping stool of claim 9, wherein said first support frame is carried within a mounting base, said mounting base capable of being mounted to a floor.
 14. The retractable stepping stool of claim 13, wherein said mounting base is at least one floor bracket, said at least one floor bracket capable of being secured to the floor.
 15. The retractable stepping stool of claim 9 further comprising retractable wheels, said retractable wheels carried by said second support frame.
 16. A retractable stepping stool having an extended position and a retracted position, comprising: a first support frame for mounting said stepping stool to a desired location; a second support frame pivotably carried by said first support frame; a mounting base, said mounting base dimensioned to carry said first support frame and capable of being mounted to a floor. a support bar, said support bar carried by said first support frame and comprising at least one magnet for secured attachment to at least one metal plate on said at least one step; at least one step pivotably carried by said first support frame and said second support frame; at least one compression assembly carried between said first support frame and said second support frame for assisting in the retraction and extension of said stepping stool; and means for retracting and extending said stepping stool, said retracting and extending means carried by said stepping stool.
 17. The retractable stepping stool of claim 16, wherein said retracting and extending means is at least one step lever mechanism, said step lever mechanism comprising at least one step lever attached to a floor and mechanically coupled to at least one telescoping rod.
 18. The retractable stepping stool of claim 17, wherein said at least one telescoping rod is slidably engaged with at least one guidance track carried by said at least one step, said depression of at least one step lever causing extension of said at least one telescoping rod and thus the outward extension of said at least one step.
 19. The retractable stepping stool of claim 16, wherein said mounting base is at least one floor bracket, said at least one floor bracket capable of being secured to the floor.
 20. The retractable stepping stool of claim 16 further comprising retractable wheels, said retractable wheels carried by said second support frame. 